walks around Whitby

Voted the Best Pub Walks – Whitby to Staithes

From its dramatic coastline to its upland mountains, from its stirring moorland to its bucolic inland shires, Britain’s wildly diverse landscapes make for some of the world’s best walking.

 
Combine this with another uniquely British establishment, the pub, and you have the makings of a rather good day out. Well……. do you know that one of our local coastal walks has been voted at THE best pub walk in Britain……. by the Rough Guides. Yorkshire’s coast: Whitby to Staithes.

Distance: 18.5km; strenuous
Duration: 6-7 hours
Best boozer along the way: The Cod & Lobster, Staithes

 
Whitby and the cove-hidden villages along the North York Moors National Park’s coastline are some of the country’s most picturesque places. The wild North Sea batters the cliff edges, while the diverse array of birdlife battle the elements. This full-day walk follows the Cleveland Way north from Whitby to Staithes – and there’s no shortage of pubs along the coastline.

On arrival in Staithes, The Cod & Lobster hangs precariously onto the harbour (and has, on occasion, been a bit too close to the edge – just look at the pictures on the wall from after the 1953 storm). Out of the wind, this is a cosy, welcoming pub with a seafood-heavy menu.

Follow the Cleveland Way from the best pub walks Whitby to Staithes on this walk along the North Yorkshire Coast. The walk is just over 11 miles with spectacular coastal scenery, cliff top views, pretty beaches and lovely fishing villages to see on the way.

Starting at the striking ruins of Whitby Abbey the walk heads north west to Sandsend. You’ll pass along the lovely beaches at Whitby Sands, Upgang Beach and Sandsend Beach. Here you can take a slight detour away from the coast by heading into Mulgrave Woods. There’s nice peaceful trails to follow around the site with becks, waterfalls and the interesting ruins of Mulgrave Castle.
You continue past Kettleness to the noteworthy Runswick Bay. The picture postcard fishing village is a highlight of the Yorkshire coast with its sandy beach, sheltered bay and pretty little cottages.

The final section takes you past Hinderwell and Port Mulgrave where you will pass Rosedale Cliffs. Shortly after you come into Staithes, passing along the attractive harbour before finishing at Staithes Beck.

The area is well known for its geology with Jurassic (Lias), strata cliffs and fossils of ammonites to be found at nearby Port Mulgrave. There’s also a number of fine pubs where you can refresh yourself after the walk.

To extend the walk you can continue along the Cleveland Way to Skinningrove where the ruined remnants of the old mines can be seen from the cliff top.

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Enjoy your stay at the cottages by following the best pub walks Whitby!

Whitby Abbey at night

Awesome things to do in Whitby at Night

Whitby Abbey And The Hundred And Ninety-Nine Steps

Climbing the hundred and ninety-nine steps and walking around Whitby Abbey may sound like a mundane activity for an evening out.

However, unlike through the day when it appears simply as a fascinating and beautiful piece of history, at night, it takes on a completely different hue. Destroyed in 1540 when Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries, Whitby Abbey would have been in ruin by the time Bram Stoker visited and saw it in 1890.

He would later go on to be inspired enough by his view of the Abbey at night swirling in haunting sea mists whilst perching high on its cliff to include Whitby as the landing place of his 1897 character Dracula. It is this very story that makes Whitby Abbey the perfect place to visit late at night and give yourself the chills. You could even take the book with you and read from its pages by torch or candlelight:

‘… the very instant the shore was touched, an immense dog sprang up on deck from below, as if shot up by the concussion, and running forward, jumped from the bow on to the sand. Making straight for the steep cliff, where the churchyard hangs over the laneway to the East pier ….. it disappeared into the darkness, which seemed intensified just beyond the focus of the searchlight.’

 

Whitby Ghost Walk

If Whitby Abbey hasn’t given you enough of the chills, you could always explore other ghostly, strange and supernatural tales of Whitby with a walking tour led by Rose Rylands.

Alternatively, Dr Crank, your guide for the 75 minute tour, will take you on an amazing journey of murder, mystery and suspense including the screaming tunnel, Dracula’s bench, the Dutchman’s house, the burning girl, the headless horseman, the hand of glory, the Whitby witches, the barguest hound, the haunted lighthouse and the grey lady.

To give you a taste of the spooky tales to come Mary Clarke was a young girl when she made a visit to the local bakers on Grape Lane. Why she was there is unknown but when the baker on duty turned to see her he found her engulfed in flames. Attempts were made to try to save her but all to no avail; her flesh had burnt down to the bone and the poor girl died.

Since then many people who have visited Grape Lane report the smell of burning followed by a vision of flames and finally Mary!

 

The Dracula Experience

The last of our supernatural things to do in Whitby at night is a paranormal experience at the Dracula Experience.

This activity really has nothing to do with Dracula other than it is hosted in the same building. Running from 11 pm to 3 am on the first Saturday of every month the paranormal night is linked with TV’s very own Most Haunted.

Whilst there you can expect to take part in investigations with high tech equipment, ouija boards and seances with mediums. Reported phenomena whilst on these paranormal nights includes sightings of orbs and a young girl with ringlets playing.

 

A Visit To The Beach With Maybe A Little Skinny Dipping

In complete contrast to all things paranormal, there is nothing like a romantic stroll along the beach and maybe a little cheeky skinny dipping. Strolling hand in hand with the sand between your toes whilst waves are lapping at the shore can be blissful.

There are three different beaches you can choose for your walk which are Whitby beach, Tate Hill beach, and East Cliff flats. Be aware, however, that tides come in fast in Whitby and that there will be no lifeguards on duty at night. Take care if skinny dipping and do not do so after consuming alcohol.

Check the Whitby Tidal Information before attempting any skinny dipping!

 

A Leisurely Boat Trip

If walking or swimming is not really your thing but you love the sea, you could opt for an evening boat trip instead.

Whitby is a fine place to do this as it is only one of two towns where you can see both the sunrise and the sunset in the sea. Evening boat trips in Whitby offer a magical experience in which you will sail out at dusk and return after dark. They are a unique opportunity to view this historic town from another perspective. You will also be able to view some of Whitby’s wildlife such as seabirds and if in the right season visiting whales.

Book your trip with Whitby Coastal Cruises

 

A Show At The Whitby Pavilion

Nestled into the West cliffs and maybe even visible from a boat trip is the Whitby Pavilion, home to both a theatre and digital cinema.

It is the perfect place to spend an evening for those who enjoy live shows and films. Built in 1878 Whitby Pavilion has Victorian origins and charm with its traditional proscenium arch. It has seating available for up to 380 people and benefits from a theatre bar for intermission drinks. Shows you can see here include plays, traditional dramas, pantomimes, musicals, comedy, blockbuster films and also long loved classics.

For information on what they are currently showing see the Whitby Pavilion website.

 

A Delicious Meal In One Of Whitby’s Fine Restaurants

Whether it’s before, after or not coinciding with a visit to Whitby Pavilion at all, the town has a fantastic array of restaurants for everyone to sample.

The Marine, for example, is a fine dining experience that concentrates on serving excellent fish dishes.Situated on the harbourside the Marines menu includes whole lobster, oysters, fresh langoustine, scampi, roast hake, sea bass, lemon sole and spaghetti voncole which is made with clams, white wine, garlic, chilli, and spaghetti. If you fancy something other than fish or traditional English fayre, you could also try Ditto, a family run intimate restaurant that has just 18 covers.

Quality local ingredients are served here that are used to combine bold and creative flavours with influences from all over Europe. Dittos menu includes rolled lamb shoulder, cured sea trout, crispy fried eggs, pork belly, duck breast, broccoli and blue cheese potato gnocchi, baked lemon cream, frozen chocolate mousse and bread and butter pudding.

 

Drinks And A Boogie At Whitby’s Pubs And Clubs

Just as there are many restaurants in Whitby there are also many pubs. In fact, at last count, there were more than 31, ranging from traditional venues to cocktail bars and chains.

Choice of nightclubs, on the other hand, is far more limited as there is only one! Out of the many pubs you could visit, the Abbey Wharf seems to be far and away the most popular with its restaurant and selection of live music. This would be closely followed by the Buck Inn where you can enjoy dry ice cocktails, karaoke and a turn on their dance floor.

For a more traditional, quiet drink try the Jolly Sailors, Ship or Pier Inn. Following on from the pub you might want to try Raw nightclub which is situated in two buildings over three floors. Part Victorian, part Art Déco this venue holds regular events such as Hedkandi. School disco and the ministry of sound.

It’s a great place to drink, dance and socialise with friends long after the pubs have closed.

 

A Cozy Night In

If you’re not into, don’t fancy or are just too tired to go out into Whitby at night you could always opt for a cozy night in. There are many fantastic fishmongers where you can purchase fish such as mackerel, pollock, flounder, coalfish, bass, cod and more for a lovely home cooked meal.

Local ales can also be bought to accompany your meal made by Whitby Brewery and sold all over the town. After eating you could then watch a DVD, read your book or even just cuddle up with your loved one in a chair.

Whatever you do you will be sure to enjoy it !!

Joe and Geoff xx

CELEBRATE AT WHITBY GOTH WEEKEND FROM FRIDAY 26TH OCTOBER

Celebrate Non-Conformity at Whitby Goth Weekend

dracula-in-whitby

dracula-in-whitby

The first meeting of a group of pen-pals has now turned into a twice annual event for the town of Whitby, know as the Whitby Goth Weekend, WGW. In 1994, a group of about 40 pen-pals decided to gather together after meeting through the pages of New Musical Express, a music magazine more popularly known as NME. The meet-up was organised by Jo Hampshire, who is the head of Top Mum Productions, quickly became known as a musical event.

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Dracula

Celebrate at Whitby Goth Weekend from Friday 26th October

Celebrate Non-Conformity at Whitby Goth Weekend

 
The first meeting of a group of pen-pals has now turned into a twice annual event for the town of Whitby, know as the Whitby Goth Weekend, WGW. In 1994, a group of about 40 pen-pals decided to gather together after meeting through the pages of New Musical Express, a music magazine more popularly known as NME. The meet-up was organised by Jo Hampshire, who is the head of Top Mum Productions, quickly became known as a musical event.

Whitby was first chosen because of its ties to Dracula. Bram Stoker included the small coastal English town in his novel about the vampire. There are several references to the town within chapters 6 through 8 of his book, including the description of the ruins of Whitby Abbey. It is said that Stoker discovered the name Dracula when he checked a book out of the library in Whitby while on vacation there.

Though the ties to the book may have prompted the festival to be formed there, Whitby was also chosen for its understanding and warm reception to event goers. Those who wear their wristbands from the event now get a discount when they visit the Whitby Museum.

The origins of the festival was to provide musical entertainment for Goths or Gothics, it has evolved into a festival celebrating the Goth and other alternative lifestyles. Goths are a subculture, or alternative lifestyle, featuring music and fashion. Goth music varies from death metal to post punk rock to industrial. Fashions and aesthetics for most Goths include dark, usually black, clothing, dark hair and make-up featuring dark eyeliners, lips, nail polish and sometimes, a white face.

WGW is now held twice a year in Whitby. It began being held twice a year since 1997 and it is one of the largest Goth events in the world. It attracts visitors from all over the UK and the world.

Most of the events are held at Whitby’s Spa Pavilion, known as “The Spa”. There are other venues used throughout the town, such as The Coliseum and Victoria Place, but “The Spa” is the main location. The festival consists of dances, markets and a charity soccer match between Goths and the local newspaper, the Whitby Gazette. Other activities include sightseeing, boat trips and picnics.

The festival is open to any one of any age who was to celebrate non-conformity and their lifestyle. Besides Goths, attendees may be bikers, punk rockers, emos and steampunkers. The event has been good for the economy of Whitby, no doubt leading to the warm welcome to the WGW each year. For restaurants, bars, hotels and other businesses in the area, the festival generates about 1.1 million pounds. Tickets for WGW are not all that expensive either and are priced for single days and full festival passes to have access for the full weekend of music and activities.

From its humble beginnings to the world’s largest Goth event, Whitby Goth Weekend only seems to be getting larger and more popular. To find out more information on the festival, you can visit their website at http://www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk or look them up on Facebook.

yachts

Fun for all at the annual Whitby Regatta 2018

The Whitby Regatta 2018 is a boat lovers dream as people gather for a three-day festival featuring rowing team competitions, yacht races and rafters competing against each other along the North Yorkshire county coast. What started out as a modest competition between fisherman has grown to be the oldest sea regatta in England with large crowds gathering for the past 173 years.

The Regatta became switched to rowing races in about 1872. Rowing continued to grow, with several regattas taking place along the English cost. Many of the rowing clubs in the original competitions are still around today competing in the modern Whitby Regatta, including Whitby’s Fisherman’s Amateur Rowing Club.

The Wilson Cup, which is awarded to the winner of the rowing competitions, was first presented in 1901, along with a prize of 25 pounds. The cup is one of the most coveted rowing trophies presented today. Along with the rowing competitions, raft races are conducted with competitors trying to win at all costs. Competitors are allowed to add missiles to their raft’s construction as long as they are harmless flour or soot bags used to shoot at their competitors.

In 1900, 11,000 people attended the Regatta, and today it draws crowds of 20,000 for the three-day festival. No longer just a rowing competition, the Whitby Regatta also features a beach soccer festival for children under 11 years of age, along with other activities geared toward kids take place on all three days. A 4k fun run, which takes place along the sea wall comes on the second day of the gathering and displays from the Army, Navy and RAF make up other events at the modern day Regatta.

While the boat races are still some of the main events, vehicles of other types are featured as well. There are vintage, classic and sports car rallies that take place at the Regatta, along with a motorcycle displays, showing off riders’ skills on Whitby’s beach. The event is capped off with a fireworks display. The three-day event is scheduled in August of each year.

 
With so many people attending the event, bus service and rail service are available to help you get to the event so you don’t have to drive through the throngs of Regatta attendees. You can find the schedule for public transportation, the events list, as well as other information at either the Whitby Regatta Facebook page or by going to their website at www.whitbyregatta.co.uk

Whitby Abbey in the snow

Our Top 7 Places to visit in Whitby

If you’re looking for a charming seaside destination on the east coast of the country, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more enticing mix of things to do than at this famous harbour town.

 

1. Take a Ride On The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The first in our Whitby points of interest is the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This is just great for those that love trains as well those that appreciate amazing country scenery with bags of vintage charm. The trains come in steam or vintage diesel form and visit a collection of little station stops throughout the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. The train passes through Goathland station, which is famous for its appearances in a number of TV and film productions including the original Harry Potter feature film, The Philosopher’s Stone. If you want a day of sightseeing without having to walk the miles between landmarks, this is the way to do it!

 

2. Get To The Beach

You can’t take a trip to the coast without hitting the beach. Sandsend is considered by many to be one of the best beaches surrounding the town of Whitby making it the perfect place to take a seat, relax and take in some much needed sea air. The main beach stretches around the west cliff and takes you from Whitby all the way to the best parts of Sandsend. Many who like a good beach walk will find this to be the perfect stretch of sandy beach for a long stroll. It’s best to do this when the tide is fully out to get the most attractive views as well as the most time to enjoy a slow relaxed pace. If you are taking the dog, be sure to look out for the dog-friendly beach areas on the east side of town.

 

3. Climb The 199 Steps To St Mary’s Churchyard

This is one of the most iconic landmarks within the centre of Whitby town. Atop the cliff that dominates Whitby’s scenery sits the historic St Mary’s Church. To get there, visitors will have to climb the 199 steps that have been carved into the side of the cliff. The path is perfectly safe and attracts climbers of all ages and fitness levels. These steps were made famous by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Those that reach the summit will enjoy breathtaking high ground views of Whitby and its harbour. The beginning of the steps can be found on the east side of town along Church Street. St Mary’s Church features a collection of old graves, some dating as far back as back as the 1700’s. Whitby Abbey is at the back of the graveyard. It’s been left a ruin after being severely attacked by the German army on their failed attempt to invade Britain during the second world war.

 

4. Enter And Explore Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey is certainly one of the most unmissable tourist attractions in town. It is only open to the public via booked tours but many visitors to Whitby are determined to climb the steps so that they can catch a view of the Abbey even if only from outside it’s gates. As you can imagine, the Abbey has famous connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, undoubtedly playing a large role in influencing the novels eerie settings.

 

5. Get Fish And Chips While Visiting The Bandstand

Whitby is famous for Dracula, the steps, its clifftop abbey and of course, for it’s world class fish and chips. When you hear others say they’ve had the best fish and chips in the world here in Whitby, they aren’t kidding. Many of the fish and chips stores within the centre of town have won awards for their chip and batter quality. Almost all fish and chip stores in the town are super proud of their stellar ingredients as well as their cooking processes and certainly don’t shy away from shouting out about where their stock is sourced and the precise awards that they have won in recent years. This competitive spirit has made the town a hotbed for quality food. Sample one or sample them all! You’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor scenery to eat by, whether you decide to stroll along the harbour to see the Whitby Lighthouses up close or check out Whitby’s picturesque bandstand.

 

6. Visit Robin Hoods Bay

If you’re in Whitby for a few days, you’ll notice a lot of the culture plays into a real pirate theme. This isn’t random, it’s because the town and some of its surrounding villages were notoriously linked with smuggling. Robin Hoods Bay is well known for its history as a smuggling haven along the Yorkshire coast. This little village sits just a short drive north from Whitby and is a fine place to visit for those that are interested in soaking up more of this period pirate vibe. Many visitors will park at the top of the bay and walk through the villages cobbled streets and swarm of cute cafes to reach the bay at the bottom. It’s a superb location to grab a bite surrounded by village scenes filled with history and periodic charm. Check out our list of things to do in Robin Hoods Bay.

 

7. Enjoy A Journey Across The Yorkshire Moors

If you prefer to walk or cycle over taking the train, the North Yorkshire Moors is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of local nature and the great outdoors. The popular TV show Heartbeat was filmed throughout this national park. Goathland village features famous scenes from the series as well as a traditional steam train station. Train enthusiasts will love standing on the railway bridge and enjoying the steam trains passing along the track beneath you.

We really hope this collection of our Whitby Points Of Interest has helped!

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